Pim makes a flying start

7:20am Monday 14th July 2008

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Ipswich Town continued their preparations for the new season with a 2-0 victory at Brentford.

Having triumphed 3-0 at Bury Town last Wednesday, the Blues eased to another win thanks to goals from new Dutch defender Pim Balkestein and Danny Haynes.

Balkestein, who joined earlier in the summer from Heerenveen, broke the deadlock at Griffin Park on Friday with a header after 58 minutes.

He got on the end of Chris Casement's cross to score his first Ipswich goal.

Haynes then doubled the lead after being pulled down for a penalty.

His effort was saved but the striker was on hand to nod home the rebound.

Town boss Jim Magilton was pleased with his side's performance against the League Two Bees.

"It was a good work-out for the boys and gives us something to build on," he said.

"It was good to see Pim get on the scoresheet, too, and a nice way for him to start his career here."

Meanwhile, Ipswich have confirmed their interest in Greek striker Angelos Charisteas.

The 28-year-old scored his country's winner in the 2004 European Championship final against Portugal and also netted against eventual winners Spain during the recent tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

Town chief executive Derek Bowden has confirmed speculation linking the Nuremberg player with Portman Road and said: "Although no fee has been agreed, we're not too far away.

"We've been in touch with his representatives and I'm sure we'll be speaking again."

Town have also admitted they hope to sign Southampton's Czech international Rudi Skacel.

They have been given permission to speak to the full-back after agreeing a fee with the Saints.

Meanwhile, Magilton has denied speculation suggesting Stoke want to sign Jon Walters.

He said: "We've not had any offers for Jon.

"I'm not surprised he's of interest to other clubs but we're in a position where we don't have to sell anyone."

The Ipswich squad are now in Northern Ireland for a pre-season tour and play the first of three matches tonight, against Cliftonville.